Interview?

[Positivity]

I know that the interview with a liaison officer is optional, but I was wondering how many individuals complete the interview process and whether it is something that I should do to increase my chances of being appointed. Any information is appreciated.

Jon

 

[USCGA2017hopeful]

I just recently completed an interview. I was repeatedly told by a former admissions officer that it can either help you, or hurt you. If you are a very vocal, personable person with a lot to say, it will help you. However, if you are an introvert who is shy and "awkward" in one-on-one conversations, it could hurt you.

From what I have heard, the interview is scored in the same section as the PFE. If your PFE is lower than average, an interview may boost your overall application grade for that section.

If you believe you would do well in an interview and accurately convey why you believe you will make a superior Cadet and Officer, then you should do it. You will basically be repeating your application, while adding in small details that you were unable to due to space or another reason.

Doesn't really answer your question directly, but I hope it gives you more information about the interview process. The point of it is to put a face behind the file.

 

[Luigi59]

I know that the interview with a liaison officer is optional, but I was wondering how many individuals complete the interview process and whether it is something that I should do to increase my chances of being appointed. Any information is appreciated.

Jon

The interview would be with an Admissions Officer or an Academy Admissions Partner. The USCGA does not have "liaison officers."

The percentage of candidates who interview is very small.

It is recommended, but optional.

It would be rare for an interview to hurt you. It happens, but it is rare.

Unless you showed up in a Rage Against The Machine T-shirt, nose rings, reeking of weed, and saying "uh-huh" a lot, after telling us your Dad is forcing you to come because his is a USNA 1988 grad. Then you might have a problem with the interview evaluation report.

But most interviewers are there to help you, to bring out things that don't come across on a paper or an electronic screen. It can give you an opportunity to expand upon your passion or commitment to different things that might not be a part of the application or essay questions.

It's one more "voice at the table" who can be an advocate for your application, I would advise you to take it.

The interview score has nothing to do with the PFE, not sure what the other poster is talking about as far as a "section" of scoring. The "all-time best interview ever" is not going to do a thing about a substandard PFE.

 

[USCGA2017hopeful]

I read something like that in the applicant handbook and on another thread.

Would you say that the completing an interview shows more interest and initiative in attending the Academy?

 

[Objee]

From what I have heard, the interview is scored in the same section as the PFE. If your PFE is lower than average, an interview may boost your overall application grade for that section.

We don't "score" or give a "grade" for any part of your application, but this does sound accurate for the other SA's that still use a point system to determine admissibility.

 

[Objee]

Would you say that the completing an interview shows more interest and initiative in attending the Academy?

Yes...completing an interview definitely demonstrates interest and desire to attend, but it's really just an opportunity for us to learn more about you and for you to learn more about CGA and the Coast Guard. Like Luigi said, it's not intended to be a pass/fail event, but an information exchange where we also get to meet/observe the applicant.